Freelance Copywriter FAQ

Could you please explain your freelance copywriting process a bit?

As a freelance copywriter, I like to begin all of my client relationships with an initial telephone consultation during which we discuss your copywriting needs, goals, and timeframes. Afterwards I will draw up a proposal or 'statement-of-work' outlining what we discussed and including an estimate for freelance copywriting fees. If you decide you'd like to work with me, I will mail or fax you a Letter of Agreement (see below) which confirms our business arrangement. Once you've signed this document and returned it to me, the project can begin. I will ask you to provide as much background material as possible which I will use as the basis for my writing. This includes (but is not limited to) brochures, flyers, marketing e-mails, reports, case studies, web content, or any other kinds of company information. My career as a freelance copywriter has taught me that knowledge is the key to writing effective copy!

Once I have provided you with the first copywriting draft, I will ask that you thoroughly review it and organize your comments, questions and revisions for discussion. You must expect that your copy will need revisions. The task of writing copy is essentially a collaborative process. Open communication is absolutely crucial if I am to perform successfully as your freelance copywriter!

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I have a tight deadline to meet. Can you start on my copywriting project right away?

If you met a doctor who had absolutely no patients, would you schedule an appointment? Probably not. My point is this: if I was a lousy freelance copywriter, I'd be available right now. But chances are, when you contact me about my copywriting services, I'll be juggling several projects with a variety of deadlines. How quickly I can deliver your project really depends on how busy I am at that point in time.

But hold on - that doesn't mean your copywriting project isn't important. On the contrary! I value all of my clients and every time I "sign on the dotted line", it's a personal commitment to put my best foot forward and exceed all of your expectations. That said, copywriting is a challenging endeavor, and it takes time to produce quality work. My suggestion is this: give me a call or shoot me an e-mail as soon as you get an inkling you'll be needing the services of a freelance copywriter. With plenty of "cushion", I'll be more likely to be able to take on your project and accommodate your timeframe without issue.

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I am located in Texas and you are in the Boston area. Can we still work together effectively?

Absolutely! Though I run my freelance copywriting business out of Rhode Island, my clients are scattered all over the United States as well as overseas. Modern conveniences such as e-mail and telephone make it easy for me to work productively and efficiently as your freelance copywriter - no matter where you are located.

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I'm on a tight budget. Do you provide cheap copywriting services?

I understand that all businesses have budgets, some which leave little room for negotiation. But at the same time, the old adage holds true: you get what you pay for. Given the caliber of work I deliver and the results my clients experience, I feel that my copywriting fees are extremely reasonable and fair.

That said, I'm not the cheapest freelance copywriter on the block. If budget is a concern, I'll certainly make every effort to tailor my services to your financial limitations. But if you're looking for bargain-basement pricing, we're probably not a good fit.
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What are your freelance copywriting fees?

I typically determine my copywriting fees on a per-project basis. Often, projects are difficult to estimate, and an hourly freelance copywriting fee is most appropriate. As a general rule, however; flat copywriting fees seems to work best for myself and for my clients.

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Do you require a percentage of your copywriting fees up front as a deposit?

I require an initial deposit of 50% prior to commencement of a project. The balance on all freelance copywriting fees is due upon completion of services within a 10 day grace period.

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What do your freelance copywriting fees include?

My copywriting fees include research, telephone discussions, copywriting, and one round of copy revisions. For on-site meetings, I generally charge an additional, per-hour rate for my time.

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What if I don't need copywriting "from scratch" ... what if I just need a makeover of the copy I already have? Do you still charge your full copywriting rates in that case?

I determine all copywriting rates on a case-by-case basis. If you simply need a "polishing" of your current copy, I'm more than happy to accomodate you by adjusting my copywriting rates to reflect the actual amount of editing required.

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Why don't you have samples of previous freelance copywriting work on your site?

I consider all work I've done for clients confidential. If you'd like to see samples of my freelance copywriting, I am more than happy to provide them upon request.

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How can you write about my business if you don't have direct experience in my industry?

Research is an integral part of the process for any freelance copywriter, and my copywriting fees include this research. Prior to writing even one word of copy, I spend ample time getting up to speed on your business, audience, and products. I am a 'quick study' as well as a zealous learner. Research is a part of my job which I truly enjoy.

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Do you require a freelance copywriting contract before you begin work?

Yes. I require a signed Letter of Agreement which confirms our business arrangement and freelance copywriting fees. Once we discuss your project scope, I will send or fax you a letter outlining the job specifications. All you need to do is sign it and mail or fax it back to me. Please keep a copy of our freelance copywriting arrangement for your own records.

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Are you available for on-site meetings?

As is sometimes necessary in the world of freelance copywriting, I am available to attend meetings in the Boston and Providence areas. For on-site meetings, I generally charge an additional, per-hour rate for my time.

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What happens if I have to cancel my freelance copywriting project before it is completed, or if I change my mind about the direction of a project midway through it?

Once the project is in progress, and if you wish to cancel for any reason, payment will be pro-rated only for the work that has been performed up to that point. If the project changes significantly in direction or scale, a new freelance copywriting proposal and cost estimate will be provided.

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Do I own all rights to the copy you've written for my business?

Once copywriting fees for the project has been made in full, you own the rights to all work created for you. However, it is possible that I will ask for the right to use your project in hard copy and electronic form in my client portfolio. This is of course up for discussion. Please let me know if you have concerns regarding confidentiality.

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What's the best way to contact you if I need a freelance copywriter?

E-mail is the quickest way to get in touch with me these days. I can be reached between 9:00am and 5:00pm EST Monday-Thursday.

Susan Landry
Freelance Copywriter